Forming part of the Baixada Santista metropolitan area, Guaruja is a lively beachside city and holiday destination near São Paulo. It’s located on Ilha de Santo Amaro, which became a popular getaway for wealthy Paulistas in the late 19th century when it was known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic”.
Things to do in Guarujá
Kick back beneath a beach umbrella on the golden sands of Praia das Pitangueiras, which is one of the most popular stretches of sand in Guaruja. Further east lies Praia da Enseada, home to the marine-life-filled aquariums of Acqua Mundo, while south-west is the surf break of Praia do Tombo. Families can head to the protected Praia do Guaiuba, which is backed by kiosks serving drinks and snacks.
Perched atop a headland between Praia do Bueno and Praia do Monduba is the Andradas Fort, which was constructed in the 1930s to protect Santos Bay during World War II. Named after the Brazilian statesman Jose Bonifacio de Andrada, it housed political prisoners during the 1960s. The Andradas Fort is open to the public on guided tours, which take in its arched underground tunnels.
Significantly older is the Barra Grande Fortress, which was built in 1548 near the mouth of the Santos Estuary to defend the port against pirate attacks. Jump aboard a boat tour to admire this whitewashed military complex and see the concrete column that marks where Portuguese explorer Martim Afonso de Sousa landed in 1532.
Getting around Guarujá
Guaruja is around 1.5 hours’ drive from the centre of São Paulo and two hours from São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect from São Paulo to Guaruja and travel throughout the city. Renting a bicycle is one of the most popular ways of exploring the area.